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Forum: Pentax Compact Cameras 06-28-2015, 06:28 PM  
Ricoh WG-M1 The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Posted By Rusty Rat
Replies: 9
Views: 5,405
Steve, there's a little story behind the purchase.

I was leaving the evening of the day I bought the camera for a two week fishing trip. I was experimenting with a better POV setup than my current one and I went into a camera store with the intent of looking for mounting brackets when I ran across the Ricoh. Asked the salesperson some questions and though she's very knowledgeable about all things photographic, video is not her thing. I had an appointment, so off I went followed by some time with a cup of coffee and my iPhone, searching for reviews on the Ricoh. I had little time and I was forced to make a few assumptions, one of which was that this camera would operate like my other POV cameras in that it ran video continuously.

This 25 minute is the show stopper for me and it isn't a technical limit, rather it is a decision taken to artificially limit the recording time so that EU duties would be levied on it as a still camera. I find it outrageous that a company would dress a camera up as a POV video camera then stick it with this arbitrary still camera limit.

This is the kicker - remove this limit and I would be quite happy with the camera, even with the noted deficiencies. I don't expect perfection and some of the deficiencies are meaningless to me (GPS, 60 fps), but I note them for others who might care about them. At this price point I don't expect higher end features like GPS, but apparently some people do, so these were noted.

In the end I have settled on using this camera as my primary B-roll POV camera. For that purpose I am happy with it as this usage typically consists of short clips. Multicam usage will unfortunately remain with my older GoPros and they have their issues as well.
Forum: Pentax Compact Cameras 06-22-2015, 05:54 PM  
Ricoh WG-M1 The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Posted By Rusty Rat
Replies: 9
Views: 5,405
For a camera configured and marketed like a real POV action video camera, the 25 minute limit is inexcusable. Every other camera I have owned/tried in this category does not have this limit, for it reduces its usage to activities of 25 minutes or less and it totally screws up my normal method of shooting fly fishing video (audio synched multicam). To put it mildly, it's misleading to sell a camera with this configuration and have not perform as a real video camera.

To answer your request for a recommendation, none of the POV action cameras I've owned meet your criteria and I refrain from recommending equipment that I have not had the opportunity to use under a reasonable range of circumstances.
Forum: Pentax Compact Cameras 06-22-2015, 03:01 PM  
Ricoh WG-M1 The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Posted By Rusty Rat
Replies: 9
Views: 5,405
This is Ricoh's entry into the POV video market and they almost had it, but . . .

The Good:
  • waterproof without the need of a housing

  • good IQ with one exception

  • good exposure in contrasty conditions

  • easy access buttons

  • nice screen, well placed

  • nice, large access door

  • menu shows in the screen

  • screen shows what we see, no guess work

  • narrow view actually has good IQ, unlike some other HD POV cameras

  • comes with a security strap

  • battery and card easily replaced in the field

  • decent Wi-Fi app for smart phone

  • good price point


The Bad:
  • the menu is a pain, but not so bad that we can't live with it

  • no 60 fps

  • no gps

  • dynamic range problems with highlights blowing out way too easily

  • not truly waterproof without changing the front cover

  • buttons can accidentally be depressed while handling the camera when it is on

  • protective lens cover is not sufficiently hydrophobic so water just sits there until it dries and leaves a spot


The Ugly:
  • Unbelievably, the camera runs for only 25 minutes on video before stopping. It should continue recording until it runs out of either battery or card space. My other POV cameras are like this. This was probably done to get around the higher EU customs duties for video cameras, but this is inexcusable for a POV camera. I missed the landing of a very large striped bass in Cape Cod thanks to running over the 25 minute limit. Obviously some tax accountant has way too loud a voice in Ricoh management. Fire the idiot. I was prepared to replace all of my POV cameras with this one until I ran across this limit. Frankly, for my purposes this limit makes this camera useless.

  • To compound this stupidity, the record LED lamp is on the side, not on the top beside the screen where it should be. So when the 25 minute limit is tripped, we can't see the LED change to green, so that we would know it and restart the record.


Would I buy it knowing this now? No.
Forum: Sold Items 04-29-2015, 06:51 AM  
For Sale - Sold: SMC Pentax-A 100mm f4 Macro with lens hood (PRICE REDUCED MORE)
Posted By Rusty Rat
Replies: 4
Views: 1,632
Yes it is.
Forum: Sold Items 04-22-2015, 08:53 AM  
For Sale - Sold: SMC Pentax-A 100mm f4 Macro with lens hood (PRICE REDUCED MORE)
Posted By Rusty Rat
Replies: 4
Views: 1,632
Price reduced again
Forum: Sold Items 04-21-2015, 07:21 AM  
For Sale - Sold: SMC Pentax-A 50mm f2.8 Macro (REDUCED PRICE MORE)
Posted By Rusty Rat
Replies: 4
Views: 1,347
Price reduced

---------- Post added 04-22-15 at 11:54 AM ----------

Price reduced again
Forum: Sold Items 04-16-2015, 05:07 AM  
For Sale - Sold: SMC Pentax-A 100mm f4 Macro with lens hood (PRICE REDUCED MORE)
Posted By Rusty Rat
Replies: 4
Views: 1,632
bump it up
Forum: Sold Items 04-14-2015, 04:22 AM  
For Sale - Sold: SMC Pentax-A 50mm f2.8 Macro (REDUCED PRICE MORE)
Posted By Rusty Rat
Replies: 4
Views: 1,347
Bump this up
Forum: Sold Items 04-10-2015, 12:53 PM  
For Sale - Sold: SMC Pentax-A 50mm f2.8 Macro (REDUCED PRICE MORE)
Posted By Rusty Rat
Replies: 4
Views: 1,347
PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing

Item for Sale
SMC Pentax-A 50mm f2.8 Macro

Asking Price
110.00 USD

Item Location
Hagersville, Ontario (Canada)

Item Description
This manual focus macro lens is in great shape having no damage anywhere just a few tiny scratches around the aperture ring. The glass is excellent, and while there is probably dust in there somewhere, I can't see it. The sale includes both Pentax caps. This focal length makes for a great portrait length lens when used on an APS-C sized sensor.

As this is an A series lens, it connects to the electronics of modern DSLRs, affording most if not full functionality, AF excepted

Are you the original owner of the item being sold?
No

Are you selling or trading this item?
Selling

Item Condition (Key)
Used
Excellent

Shipping Destinations
U.S, U.K, Canada, Australia

Shipping Charge
$15.00

Shipping Services
Canada Post

Accepted Payment Types
PayPal

Return Policy & Additional Details
One week examination after receipt. For any returns, buyer must pay insured return postage.

Please send me a private message if interested in the item!
Forum: Sold Items 04-10-2015, 10:32 AM  
For Sale - Sold: SMC Pentax-A 100mm f4 Macro with lens hood (PRICE REDUCED MORE)
Posted By Rusty Rat
Replies: 4
Views: 1,632
PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing

Item for Sale
SMC Pentax-A 100mm f4 Macro with lens hood

Asking Price
125.00 USD

Item Location
Hagersville, Ontario (Canada)

Item Description
This manual focus macro lens is in great shape having no damage anywhere. I can't find a mark on it. The glass is excellent, and while there is probably dust in there somewhere, I can't see it. The sale includes the appropriate Pentax lens hood and both Pentax caps.

As this is an A series lens, it connects to the electronics of modern DSLRs, affording most if not full functionality, AF excepted.

Are you the original owner of the item being sold?
No

Are you selling or trading this item?
Selling

Item Condition (Key)
Used
Excellent

Shipping Destinations
U.S, U.K, Canada, Australia

Shipping Charge
15.00

Shipping Services
Canada Post

Accepted Payment Types
PayPal

Return Policy & Additional Details
One week examination after receipt. For any returns, buyer must pay insured return postage.

Please send me a private message if interested in the item!
Forum: Sold Items 01-11-2014, 09:04 AM  
For Sale - Sold: Pentax K to M42 mount adapter
Posted By Rusty Rat
Replies: 1
Views: 1,262
PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing

Item for Sale
Pentax K to M42 mount adapter

Asking Price
45.00 USD

Item Location
Hagersville, Ontario (Canada)

Item Description
Pentax K mount to M42 screw mount adapter. Allows a screw mount lens to be mounted on modern DSLRs.

Are you the original owner of the item being sold?
No

Are you selling or trading this item?
Selling

Item Condition (Key)
Used
Excellent

Shipping Destinations
North America

Shipping Charge
free

Shipping Services
Canada Post

Accepted Payment Types
PayPal

Return Policy & Additional Details
Buyer has a three day examination period after delivery. If item is returned for a refund, the buyer pays return shipping.

Please send me a private message if interested in the item!
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 11-16-2013, 03:36 PM  
AF360 underexposure
Posted By Rusty Rat
Replies: 6
Views: 2,452
I've run across an issue lately with using older flashes and a new AF camera. I don't know if this is also the case with this flash or not, but it's worth experimenting.

As it was explained to me, apparently many modern flashes put out a low power pre-flash followed by the main burst. If this doesn't synch up with the shutter curtain properly, then only the pre-flash is captured when the shutter opens. On my new camera, there's a "Commander" mode that allows the camera's flash to act as the commander for a slave unit. The mode is required to allow the flash to time up properly with the shutter. If other flash modes are used, then everything is underexposed as the main slave flash fires early before the shutter opens.

Try setting the flash to forward then rear shutter curtain synch to see if either one helps.

My AF360 worked fine when used on manual, which leads me to think shutter synch may be the issue. It probably didn't pre-flash when on manual.
Forum: Sold Items 11-16-2013, 09:42 AM  
For Sale - Sold: SMC Pentax - A 28mm f2.8
Posted By Rusty Rat
Replies: 1
Views: 1,082
PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing

Item for Sale
SMC Pentax - A 28mm f2.8

Asking Price
125 USD

Item Location
Hagersville, Ontario (Canada)

Item Description
This 28mm A lens is in great shape with minimal wear. Glass is excellent and aperture blades move freely. Comes with Pentax end and older metal Pentax lens cap.

This is an A series lens with the electronic contacts that enables it to synch up with most Pentax digital bodies. This means that except for auto focus, all other automatic features will work, even the AF confirmation. A series lenses are great for those who want manual focus, but without the stop down metering bother. Just leave the aperture ring on "A" and the lens will work in shutter priority, program and other automatic modes. Automatic metering without stopping down when used in aperture priority.

Are you the original owner of the item being sold?
No

Are you selling or trading this item?
Selling

Item Condition (Key)
Used
Excellent

Shipping Destinations
North America

Shipping Charge
included

Shipping Services
Canada Post Expedited Parcel

Accepted Payment Types
PayPal

Return Policy & Additional Details
Three day examination period and if not satisfied return for refund. Buyer pays return shipping.

Please send me a private message if interested in the item!
Forum: Sold Items 11-16-2013, 09:39 AM  
For Sale - Sold: SMC Pentax - A 35mm f2.8
Posted By Rusty Rat
Replies: 0
Views: 1,174
PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing

Item for Sale
SMC Pentax - A 35mm f2.8

Asking Price
125 USD

Item Location
Hagersville, Ontario (Canada)

Item Description
This 35mm A lens is in great shape with minimal wear. Glass is excellent and aperture blades move freely. Comes with Pentax end and lens cap.

This is an A series lens with the electronic contacts that enables it to synch up with most Pentax digital bodies. This means that except for auto focus, all other automatic features will work, even the AF confirmation. A series lenses are great for those who want manual focus, but without the stop down metering bother. Just leave the aperture ring on "A" and the lens will work in shutter priority, program and other automatic modes. Automatic metering without stopping down when used in aperture priority.

Are you the original owner of the item being sold?
No

Are you selling or trading this item?
Selling

Item Condition (Key)
Used
Excellent

Shipping Destinations
North America

Shipping Charge
included

Shipping Services
Canada Post Expedited Parcel

Accepted Payment Types
PayPal

Return Policy & Additional Details
Three day examination and if not satisfied return for refund. Buyer pays for return shipping.

Please send me a private message if interested in the item!
Forum: Sold Items 11-12-2013, 07:10 AM  
For Sale - Sold: PRICE DROP to $450.00: Pentax K20D camera body and D-BG2 battery grip
Posted By Rusty Rat
Replies: 0
Views: 1,283
PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing

Item for Sale
Pentax K20D camera body and D-BG2 battery grip

Asking Price
550 USD

Item Location
Hagersville, Ontario (Canada)

Item Description
This K20D is in great shape, having mostly been used in my studio. Cosmetically, it has some wear on the grip, but otherwise in great shape. The screen is not damaged nor scratched. The shutter count is 4621. The battery grip is in great shape.

The sale includes:

* K20D camera body only
* Battery Grip D-BG2
* TWO lithium rechargeable batteries
* IR remote control
* 8 GB class 6 SD card
* 4 GB class 6 SD card
* KatzEye Optics Focusing Screen Split Prism with Microprism collar (includes original focussing screen as well)
* Battery charger and power cable
* Camera strap
* USB cable
* Manuals
* Software CD

The KatzEye focusing screen is currently in the camera, while the original screen is in the KatzEye box. This screen is idea for manual focus lenses, and when manually focusing AF lenses. Works fine when using AF. This screen alone is a $150.00 value.

Are you the original owner of the item being sold?
Yes

Are you selling or trading this item?
Selling

Item Condition (Key)
Used
Excellent

Shipping Destinations
North America

Shipping Charge
included

Shipping Services
Canada Post Expedited Parcel

Accepted Payment Types
PayPal

Return Policy & Additional Details
Within three days examination after deliver, the buyer can return the item for a refund. The buyer pays the return shipping.

Please send me a private message if interested in the item!

---------- Post added 11-13-13 at 02:00 PM ----------

Price dropped to $450.00, insured shipping included

---------- Post added 11-13-13 at 02:02 PM ----------

Price drop to $450.00, insured shipping included
Forum: Sold Items 10-18-2013, 12:27 PM  
For Sale - Sold: Pentax DA 70mm F2.4 Limited, price drop
Posted By Rusty Rat
Replies: 1
Views: 1,034
PentaxForums.com Marketplace Listing

Item for Sale
Pentax DA 70mm F2.4 Limited

Asking Price
395.00 USD

Item Location
Hagersville, Ontario (Canada)

Item Description
The lens is in great shape having seen very little use. There are no marks or dings on the body of the lens, the barrel turns freely, the glass has no marks, nicks or scratches, the aperture blades move freely and are free of oil.

The sale includes the original box, pouch, lens and rear caps.

Are you the original owner of the item being sold?
Yes

Are you selling or trading this item?
Selling

Item Condition (Key)
Used
Like New

Shipping Destinations
North America

Shipping Charge
$20.00

Shipping Services
Canada Post Expedited Parcel

Accepted Payment Types
PayPal

Return Policy & Additional Details
Three day examination period from the date of delivery, after which the sale is final.

Refunds will be provided after the returned lens has been received. The purchaser pays any return shipping and insurance costs.

Please send me a private message if interested in the item!

---------- Post added 10-19-13 at 07:19 PM ----------

Price dropped.

---------- Post added 10-19-13 at 07:21 PM ----------

price drop
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 03-11-2013, 04:29 PM  
1080P on a Pentax DSLR
Posted By Rusty Rat
Replies: 6
Views: 1,752
Thanks. Looks like I'll wait until Pentax produces a DSLR with the necessary bells and whistles plus decent AE and AF performance. Not looking to match a camcorder here, but just get reasonably close.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 03-11-2013, 04:04 PM  
1080P on a Pentax DSLR
Posted By Rusty Rat
Replies: 6
Views: 1,752
Thanks for the replies.

I tried the K-01 when it first hit the stores and found that when I switched subjects, the AF hunted and the AE took a few moments to make up it's mind before settling down. The internal mic was useless due to mechanical noise from the AF and AE. The internal mic is only good for audio syncing a multicam shoot, which is I supposed all I'd ever use it for since I usually employ wireless or external mics on the other cams. But one can never say never. Maybe the current versions are better or maybe I'm just too fussy having been accustomed to the performance of decent HD camcorders.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 03-11-2013, 03:36 PM  
1080P on a Pentax DSLR
Posted By Rusty Rat
Replies: 6
Views: 1,752
Which Pentax DSLR produces the best 1080P video? That question includes AF and AE performance in video mode, manual function availability during video, AF and AE noise in the microphone, external mic jack, mini HDMI jack, etc.

I bought a K7 in part for video and I was mightily disappointed, so not wishing to make the same mistake twice. I have two video cameras that will do the bulk of the shooting, but looking for a DSLR to become the third, as well as being the still camera for the shoot. The Olympus and Nikon P&S cameras can't hack it.
Forum: Photographic Technique 02-16-2012, 09:20 AM  
What is the smallest thing I could resolve with a DSLR?
Posted By Rusty Rat
Replies: 26
Views: 5,437
Just one more example of resolving power, this time of machining marks on a fly fishing reel. The hotspot near the "WA" of Watergrip contains machining marks that are not visible even at 100% magnification. 200% shows marks that look little zigzag designs. This shot was taken using a 10mp K10 and a 35mm f2.8 DA macro.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 01-29-2012, 07:34 PM  
Why is Pentax "obsessed" with small?
Posted By Rusty Rat
Replies: 58
Views: 6,731
I started with a K1000, then two MXs and like others have mentioned, I bought winders for them as they were too small to hang onto with a 300mm f4 or a 200 f2.5 on the end of them. And I'm not a big person.

These days prefer my K10/K20 over my K7 for the same reason. I found the control layout great on the K10/20 but the smaller overall size coupled with the increase in screen size has made the control layout on the K7 a step down from the K10/20 IMHO. I bought the grip for the K7 to make up for its lack of size and I curse when looking for a friggin' button that falls to hand so nicely on the K10/20.

I understand market differentiation and the Japanese consumer priority, but smaller isn't always better. I so wished the K7 had been a mag bodied K20.

About the desire for a digital film style camera, I'll take a K2DMD please. Full frame in a classic package.
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 02-21-2011, 11:55 AM  
AF360 underexposure
Posted By Rusty Rat
Replies: 6
Views: 2,452
Thanks, basically what I thought too, just plug in the EV +1 and move on . . . .
Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 02-21-2011, 08:58 AM  
AF360 underexposure
Posted By Rusty Rat
Replies: 6
Views: 2,452
I've been using my AF360 on my K10 and occasionally on other bodies. On all of them, it consistently underexposes when shooting close subjects well within a comfortable flash range (often under 10'). The apertures are usually f5.6 to f8, again comfortable for the range.

Direct flash is about one stop under, bounce is worse.

Here's the modes I've tried with cameras set to X synch and using a range of lenses. Results were identical whether used on Auto with A series MF lenses or DA lenses on either Auto or P-TTL. Green mode seems to be a bit better on the K10, but still about a half stop dark.

P-TTL (underexposed)
Auto (underexposed)
Manual (OK when dumping full flash)
Slave on Auto (underexposed, both flashes fired)

I've been careful to ensure that ISO, exposure compensation and aperture match between camera and flash.

Other settings used:

careful not to be on wireless mode, channel 1, when on auto aperture matches camera, format set on 35mm, auto or manual zoom, exposure compensation on both camera and flash set to zero.

Only full power manual mode, EV +1 exposure compensation (or more) or faking the flash out when on Auto by setting the lens at a wider aperture than the flash setting, has produced decent results.

Any idea what is going on?
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 02-08-2011, 06:32 PM  
Long telephoto shooters opinions sought
Posted By Rusty Rat
Replies: 20
Views: 4,260
Agreed. The Sigma did better here, but we're talking blues which the Sigma managed OK indoors and out. I should've done a third batch on a tripod as I think a bit of camera shake or focus inaccuracy got me here. I've had sharper shots with the 200 + doubler before. It was friggin' freezing and I didn't have the coat done up.
Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 02-08-2011, 06:24 PM  
Long telephoto shooters opinions sought
Posted By Rusty Rat
Replies: 20
Views: 4,260
Quite possible, but I didn't get that impression when looking at a range of indoor and outdoor shots. The outdoors shots showed the same problem with Sigma reds gong orange, but blues were virtually identical, indoors and out. Colour balance should affect both. Both cameras were on AWB.

I am willing to accept that using two different cameras has made a total hash of this, but I need convincing.

Here's a very tight crop, top photo is the Sigma at f8, the middle is Pentax at 2.8 (f5.6 effective) and then at 5.6 (f11 effective).
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